Housing Options Service T453

Housing Needs Service

The provider will be required to wholeheartedly and willingly take on the responsibilities of the Council and represent the Council in the spirit of true partnership. The provider must take an active part in local joint planning groups with a view to actively promoting the services and effectively engaging with others to improve the services provided. The provider will be expected to take a lead role in developing partnerships and delivering the Council's strategic objectives relating to the services covered by the Housing Needs Services Contract and achieving a Gold Standard Service.

The Council has a statutory duty to provide housing advice, homelessness and housing waiting list services to the residents of Trafford. The provision of these services is established under the framework of the Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002.

The nature of the work defined in this specification must take into account the requirements of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Act 2002, the Homelessness (Priority Need for Accommodation) Order 2002, the relevant Codes of Guidance published by Communities and Local Government (CLG), the Localism Act 2011 and any subsequent guidance and targets set by central government. The provider must be able to deliver services given any changes in legislation or in case law.

Housing Register

The provider will ensure that a system is in place to allow applicants on the Council's Housing Waiting List to express choice by bidding for available properties. This is outlined in detail in the Council's Allocation Policy.